This fun and festive cheeseball wreath is perfect for holiday gatherings! Made with cream cheese, herbs, and a variety of tasty nuts, it looks stunning on your table.
It’s so easy to make, too! Just mix everything, shape it into a wreath, and decorate with bits of colorful veggies. Everyone will love it, and you’ll be the holiday hero! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base of your cheeseball. It’s creamy and soft, making it easy to mix. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese instead, which has less fat.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This adds a great flavor. If you want a milder cheese, you can swap it for a medium cheddar or even mozzarella for a different taste.
Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. Don’t have them? You can leave them out or use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option!
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and chives add freshness. You could also use dill or basil for a different flavor profile – make it your own!
How Can I Shape the Perfect Wreath?
Shaping the cheeseball into a wreath can be tricky, but here are some tips! Start by gathering all your mixture in a large bowl. This helps keep your work area clean.
- Use your hands to mold the cheese mixture into a large ring shape on your platter. Make sure it’s compact so it holds together well.
- For the smaller balls, take about a golf-ball size of the mixture and roll it in your palms until smooth. This helps prevent cracks.
- Press the smaller balls firmly against the larger wreath structure. This keeps them in place during serving.
Chilling is key! It allows the wreath to firm up so it stays intact when you serve it. Enjoy creating this festive centerpiece!
Cheeseball Wreath
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped chives or green onions
- 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
- 12–16 crackers (for serving)
- 8 oz sliced cheddar cheese (cut into small triangles)
- Black olives (for garnish)
- Cranberries or small red grapes (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley sprigs (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cheeseball Wreath will take about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll want to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together and makes the cheeseball firm up nicely!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Cheese Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Use a spatula or electric mixer to blend them together until smooth and well combined.
2. Season It Up:
Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, chopped parsley, and chives. Mix everything together until it’s evenly combined and you can see the herbs throughout the mixture.
3. Add Crunch with Nuts:
Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans, stirring gently to ensure even distribution without breaking the nuts. This will add a nice crunch to your cheeseball.
4. Shape the Wreath:
Now comes the fun part! Take about 1/3 of the cheese mixture and roll it into small golf-ball-sized balls. Set these aside. With the rest of the mixture, shape it into a large ring or wreath shape right on your serving platter.
5. Decorate Your Wreath:
Place the small cheese balls around the outside edge of the large ring, pressing them gently so they stick. Sprinkle some smoked paprika and chopped parsley over the top for a festive touch.
6. Add More Cheese:
Arrange sliced cheddar cheese triangles both inside and outside the wreath shape for added flair and flavor. Make it look pretty and colorful!
7. Final Touches:
Garnish the center of the wreath with fresh parsley sprigs, and then place some black olives and cranberries (or red grapes) in the middle for a festive pop of color.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, surround your beautiful Cheeseball Wreath with crackers for serving. Cover it and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors come together. Enjoy this delicious and eye-catching appetizer at your next holiday party!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese in This Recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use low-fat cream cheese if you want a lighter option. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make the Cheeseball Wreath gluten-free, simply use gluten-free crackers for serving. You can also check labels on cheese and Worcestershire sauce to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheeseball wreath a day in advance. Just assemble it as directed, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This will actually enhance the flavors!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftover cheeseball wreath can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep it well-covered to maintain its freshness!
